Back probs and rls. Any connection.??

[Huntingleroy]

Despite chronic rls and weaning off Ropinirole slowly I also have L4/5 degenerative disc dehydration and a slight bulging disc. The facet joint also shows some degenerative sclerosis and I often wonder if there is any connection between the back and my legs ? Sometimes I feel if back is bad then so are my legs and i get relief by lying flat on the floor on my front and rock from side to side OR I kneel on floor against sofa or bed and just sway my hips from side to side . Anyones thoughts on this please ?

[SueJohnson]

It's probably because disk problems can cause inflammation and inflammation makes RLS worse.

[Huntingleroy in reply to SueJohnson]

Ah yes that makes sense

[Huntingleroy in reply to SueJohnson]

Oh boy this is so hard . I really am at the end of my tether and not coping at all. So Im down to 0.75 mgs of Ropinirole. Ive got plenty of Gabapentin 300mgs . Clonazepan , not sure of dose but can take max 2 before bed. Ive got Codeine 15mgs and Diypridamole 200mgs which I take 1- 2 hrs before bed but Im struggling to get more than 2 hours sleep. Any suggestions on my doses / times etc . I aim for bed about 22.00 hrs . Getting off to sleep isnt a problem but often awake midnight with these crazy legs .

[SueJohnson in reply to Huntingleroy]

I would increase the codeine. 15 mg is the lowest starting dose. The usual effective dose is 60 to 180 mg daily. And since it only lasts 3 to 4 hours you will probably still have to take it when you wake up which hopefully will then be later than midnight.

[Huntingleroy in reply to SueJohnson]

I am taking 60 of codeine

[Huntingleroy in reply to Huntingleroy]

Ive just been sent article by Dr Berg , he says rls need Vitb1 thiamin for lactic acidosis and potassium citrate powder for electrolyte inbalance. Because we need 47 hundred mgs a day ,spaced over 3 or 4 doses he says you need the powder . Any thoughts on this ?He says Amazon for the powder. Angela

[SueJohnson in reply to Huntingleroy]

The recommended daily intake for potassium is 2600 mg and you are probably getting a lot of that in food - you can see the values of some foods here ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/P...

Yes you need B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2 if deficient.

[Huntingleroy in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue, Im really really struggling , in fact the last 2 nights I have had many suicidal thoughts. Im now on 0.75 mgs Ropinirole and I knew it would get worse but its mental from 16. 00 til morning. was on codeine but just switched to tramadol , thats not helping . Also got gabapentin and dipyridimole . Please what can i do ??

[SueJohnson in reply to Huntingleroy]

What was the last amount of ropinirole you were on and when did you reduce it to 75 mg?

[Huntingleroy in reply to SueJohnson]

I was on 1 mg for 2 weeks , only went down to .75 yesterday so I know its early days .Ive decided to give the Tramadol a better go so stopped the codeine obvs .Apart from Methadone and morphine which I doubt they will give me I think Ive tried everything .

[SueJohnson in reply to Huntingleroy]

I assume you allowed the symptoms from being on 1 mg to settle before reducing. Cut the .25 mg tablets in half and only reduce by that much. Go back up now by half a .25 mg tablet and let the symptoms settle. There is no rush especially since you are suffering so and having suicidal thoughts. You've already done well by reducing from 6 mg.

[Joolsg]

There are lots of reports on here of back surgery worsening RLS.There are some theories that spinal damage inhibits the flow of dopamine.

This is why we need more research.

I firmly believe there are several separate causes for RLS and spinal damage is one of them.

Any damage to the spine or discs seems to be a trigger/cause of RLS.

Mine is caused by spinal cord scarring from my MS.

Some people report relief after specialist osteopathy.

[Huntingleroy in reply to Joolsg]

Its about time rls had some serious research , its so frustrating that Gps have no interest in the slightest . Our lives are affected daily . My sis in law thinks it should be classed as a disability as we suffer so much

[Joolsg in reply to Huntingleroy]

It definitely should be!I have advanced MS and can honestly say untreated RLS is far worse than anything MS has thrown at me.

[Dolly38]

Hello Huntingleroy,I am sorry to hear about your back pain/discs. In 2015 I got knocked over on a pavement from behind striking me on my right hip which has been causing me problems ever since! I have IBS since my thirties I'm now 71 and was diagnosed with Coeliac two years ago. I've was prescribed Gabapentin by the Gastro team and what a dreadful outcome that has been. I was worse than zombie extraordinaire ! Ditched that and I'm desperately trying plant based diets physio which I'm the Queen of and trawling the internet for research. There are no words of comfort apart from keep moving gently each day. Good luck but don't give up. BW Lally

[RLSLearner]

In March this year this paper was released -Prevalence and severity of restless leg syndrome in patients with spinal cord injuries. About 50% had RLS. But it sounds more like general back pain. I found strengthening exercises worked better than stretching, massage...

Good luck